Is fuel pump power control module failure and stall a known issue with the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?

22 NHTSA complaints have been filed about fuel pump power control module failure and stall on the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban (2023-02 → 2026-08). Reported component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11683089): "I was standing at a red light with my foot on the brake and the car went into neutral and stalled. I could not restart the vehicle and had to be towed to the dealership where there confirmed a fuel pump module failure. There were no precipitating factors or warnings" Source: NHTSA.

Is forward collision avoidance and adas unintended activation a known issue with the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about forward collision avoidance and adas unintended activation on the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban (2022-08 → 2026-04). Reported component: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11594439): "The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated and abruptly applied the brakes, dramatically reducing the speed of the vehicle. Later, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the Adaptive…" Source: NHTSA.

2021 Chevrolet Suburban Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

Q: Is engine lifter, camshaft, and bearing failure a known issue with the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?

52 NHTSA complaints have been filed about engine lifter, camshaft, and bearing failure on the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban (2021-05 → 2026-08). Reported component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11705211): "Vehicle experienced sudden engine malfunction including rough idle, hard misfire, and flashing check engine light. Vehicle was diagnosed with a collapsed lifter and internal engine failure. Metallic debris was found in the engine oil, including silver and gold/bronze particles…" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is 10-speed transmission valve body and shifting malfunction a known issue with the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?

22 NHTSA complaints have been filed about 10-speed transmission valve body and shifting malfunction on the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban (2021-07 → 2026-08). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11742058): "The failure involved the transmission valve body control valve within the automatic transmission system of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, a critical component responsible for regulating hydraulic pressure and controlling gear shifting. The malfunction caused erratic and unreliable…" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is headlamp adjuster failure causing downward aim a known issue with the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?

6 NHTSA complaints have been filed about headlamp adjuster failure causing downward aim on the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban (2021-12 → 2026-06). Reported component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11746579): "Driver side headlamp adjuster failed while driving. Wife struggles to see at night so when the adjuster failed the driver side headlamp faced right to the ground causing no projected illuminating light. We attempted to adjust the light when she arrived home but it would not…" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is brake master cylinder failure and loss of power braking a known issue with the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?

5 NHTSA complaints have been filed about brake master cylinder failure and loss of power braking on the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban (2022-05 → 2025-01). Reported component: SERVICE BRAKES. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11634550): "brake master cylinder failure, took car to chevy after brakes got super hard to push , luckily no accident , felt like no brakes, at the point of failure, brake light, abs light, check engine light all went on ,at some point abs and brake light went off but check engine light…" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is windshield wiper intermittent failure during rain a known issue with the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?

2 NHTSA complaints have been filed about windshield wiper intermittent failure during rain on the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban (2025-03 → 2024-09). Reported component: VISIBILITY/WIPER. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11616767): "Yesterday marked the 2nd time that the front windshield wipers on my 2021 Chevy Suburban (58k miles) randomly stopped working while driving down the highway in a rainstorm. They would not come out of the resting position regardless on what setting they were put to on the wheel…" Source: NHTSA.

Q: Is rear differential and axle noise or lockup a known issue with the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban?

4 NHTSA complaints have been filed about rear differential and axle noise or lockup on the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban (2025-03 → 2026-07). Reported component: POWER TRAIN. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11750547): "On our 2021 gasoline suburgan, the rear wheels locked up at free-way speeds, which nearly caused a possibly fatal accident. The lock released but it appears the strain caused rear differential gear teeth to break and the rear differential now needs to be replaced for the vehicle…" Source: NHTSA.

The 2021 Chevrolet Suburban carries 12 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering steering control module and driveshaft. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Engine lifter, camshaft, and bearing failure.” Chevrolet vehicles use the GM Oil Life System (OLS) — a percentage-based monitor that calculates oil life from driving conditions, not fixed mileage. When the OLS drops to 0%, oil and filter are due. The schedule below reflects GM's Normal Use intervals for everything else.

12 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

STEERING:STEERING CONTROL MODULE

Campaign #21V455000 · Jun 17, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. A software issue may cause a loss of power steering assist at startup or while driving.

Risk: Increased steering effort, particularly at lower speeds, increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: The power steering module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 13, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212333900.

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Campaign #22V036000 · Jan 27, 2022

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, and Chevrolet Tahoe vehicles. The rear wheel driveshaft assemblies may have internal components that were not heat-treated properly, possibly resulting in driveshaft failure.

Risk: Driveshaft failure can cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the left and/or right rear driveshaft assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 14, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212351030.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #20V792000 · Dec 17, 2020

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500, 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon XL and 2020-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 vehicles. The seat belt brackets may not be secured to the seat frame in the front-row center seating position.

Risk: If a seat-belt bracket is not secured, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the front-row center seat position, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect left-side and right-side front-row center seat-belt bracket attachments and reassemble it correctly as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 26, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202314670.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #20V811000 · Dec 23, 2020

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020 Chevrolet Bolt EV and 2021 GMC Canyon and Sierra 1500, 2500 and 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV and Chevrolet Blazer, Camaro, Colorado, Equinox, Silverado 1500, 2500 and 3500, Suburban and Tahoe vehicles. Incorrect bolts may have been used at one or more fastening locations to secure the seat belts to the vehicle. If an incorrect bolt was used, the seat belt may not be properly attached to the vehicle.

Risk: If a seat belt assembly is not properly attached to the vehicle, the seat belt may not properly restrain an occupant in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the suspect bolts, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2021. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8785, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N202322230.

SEATS

Campaign #20V735000 · Nov 25, 2020

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles. During general assembly, a repair involved removal of one or both front seats. The attachment bolts for the front seats may not have been properly reinstalled after the repair was completed.

Risk: If an occupied front seat has loose or missing attachment bolts, it may move during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the seated occupant.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat attachments for both front seats and install attachment bolts as needed, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267. GM's number for this recall is N202312720.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE

Campaign #21V739000 · Sep 23, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The fuel pump power control module may cause the fuel pump to fail or operate intermittently, which can interrupt fuel flow to the engine, and cause an unexpected engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the fuel pump power control module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on October 14, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212332040.

AIR BAGS:SRS MALFUNCTION WARNING LAMP/LIGHT

Campaign #21V421000 · Oct 6, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Buick Envision, Cadillac CT4, CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Corvette, Suburban, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL vehicles. The communications gateway module incorrectly processes a loss of communication with the sensing diagnostic module (SDM), causing the air bag malfunction indicator light to inconsistently illuminate.

Risk: The air bag malfunction indicator light may fail to warn the driver of a problem with the air bag, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: The communications gateway module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 1, 2021. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212338110.

SEAT BELTS

Campaign #21V190000 · Mar 18, 2021

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, GMC Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Suburban, and Tahoe vehicles with third-row seating. The third-row outboard seat belts may have been entrapped or misrouted behind the outboard seat-folding mechanism, which could result in damaged seat belts.

Risk: A damaged seat belt can break during a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the occupant.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the third-row outboard seat belts, replacing any damaged seat belts, and rerouting them if necessary, free of charge. The recall began on April 21, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782, and Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N202313000.

SEAT BELTS:CRITICAL FASTENERS

Campaign #22V617000 · Nov 8, 2022

Issue: General Motors, LLC (M) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with third-row seats. The rivet that retains the buckle to the mounting bracket in the left or right side third-row seat belt buckle assembly may have been improperly formed.

Risk: A seat belt with a deformed rivet may not properly restrain an occupant, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the rivet head formation on both the left and right side third-row seat belt buckle assemblies and replace seat belt buckle assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed September 28, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on November 1, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N222372380.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign #22V827000 · Mar 11, 2022

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021 Yukon, Yukon XL, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) may not deactivate when the headlights are on. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Risk: Daytime Running Lights that do not deactivate as intended may cause a glare, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will provide an over-the-air (OTA) update for the Body Control Module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 15, 2022. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is N222382220.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Campaign #24V797000 · Oct 24, 2024

Issue: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control valve may fail and cause the rear wheels to lock-up.

Risk: Rear wheel lock-up can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will install new transmission control module software, free of charge. GM will provide a special coverage program to cover the repair of transmissions that are identified by the remedy software as containing a defective control valve. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-888-988-7267, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, GMC customer service at GMC 1-800-462-8782 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N242454440.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL

Campaign #25V274000 · Apr 24, 2025

Issue: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with a 6.2L V8 gas engine. The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure.

Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine, and as necessary, repair or replace the engine. For vehicles that pass inspection, dealers will add higher viscosity oil, install 6 oil fill cap, replace the oil filter, and update the owner's manual. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 18, 2025. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-333-4223, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N252494000.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban.

2 active NHTSA investigations

Source: NHTSA

Loss of motive power due to engine failure
Action #EA25007 · opened Oct 23, 2025
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 1,157 reports of engine bearing failure failures in the L87 6.2L engine produced by General Motors (GM). Of the 1,157 reports received, 173 are outside of the scope of recall 25V-274. These engines are installed in Model Year…
View on NHTSA →
Loss of motive power due to engine failure post recall remedy
Action #EA26005 · opened Aug 20, 2026
On January 16, 2026, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ26001. This investigation was opened to assess the remedy effectiveness of Recall 25V-274. ODI has received complaints alleging engine failure in vehicles after the recall remedy had been comple…
View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Engine lifter, camshaft, and bearing failure

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE

52 NHTSA complaints · 2021-05 → 2026-08

“Vehicle experienced sudden engine malfunction including rough idle, hard misfire, and flashing check engine light. Vehicle was diagnosed with a collapsed lifter and internal engine failure. Metallic debris was found in the engine oil, including silver and gold/bronze particles…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11705211

“Due to a valve lifter malfunction, the engine suffered catastrophic failure, with metal shavings found throughout the oil system and internal components. I’ve been quoted approximately $14,000 by the dealership/service center to replace the engine, and the vehicle is currently…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11660711

“With no other indication, the low oil pressure light came on, then within two seconds I lost all power (motor shut off) and lost electronics in the car. I had to man-handle the vehicle to get it off the road without power or dash controls”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11638102

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel pump power control module failure and stall

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE

22 NHTSA complaints · 2023-02 → 2026-08

“I was standing at a red light with my foot on the brake and the car went into neutral and stalled. I could not restart the vehicle and had to be towed to the dealership where there confirmed a fuel pump module failure. There were no precipitating factors or warnings”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11683089

“Vehicle stalled while driving in center lane on I-4 in Orlando in traffic. There were no warnings prior to the vehicle stalling. When trying to restart it, the low fuel warning appeared along with the check engine light. I was unable to restart the vehicle leaving us…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11557595

“Fuel pulp module failed on highway. Was told there is not a recall on my VIN even tho online there is a recall and known issue for the part”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11755546

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

10-speed transmission valve body and shifting malfunction

POWER TRAIN

22 NHTSA complaints · 2021-07 → 2026-08

“The failure involved the transmission valve body control valve within the automatic transmission system of the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban, a critical component responsible for regulating hydraulic pressure and controlling gear shifting. The malfunction caused erratic and unreliable…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11742058

“Andean confirmed on Friday (2/19) that the entire transmission is shot with metal all inside of the fluid, gears being broken, and the valve body being broken. The truck is 5.5 years old with 93K mile on it and we were just shocked. The repair for GM Reman transmission was…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719462

“While driving at normal highway speed, the vehicle speed is suddenly reduced and it feels and sounds like the transmission has shifted into low gear. The following warning light activated: Reduced Acceleration Drive with Care. The GM dealership service center stated that the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11662243

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Headlamp adjuster failure causing downward aim

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2021-12 → 2026-06

“Driver side headlamp adjuster failed while driving. Wife struggles to see at night so when the adjuster failed the driver side headlamp faced right to the ground causing no projected illuminating light. We attempted to adjust the light when she arrived home but it would not…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11746579

“The headlamps are defective and unexpectedly break causing them to aim basically straight down towards the pavement making it unsafe to drive at night. In February of this year I took the vehicle to Cox Chevrolet in Bradenton and they said the headlamps would need to be…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11624869

“The headlight adjuster failed. As a result, the headlight points straight down creating a safety issue at night. I have read online this is a common problem on suburbans and tahoes. This happened on my car around 60k miles and only ~3 years”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11621901

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake master cylinder failure and loss of power braking

SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2022-05 → 2025-01

“brake master cylinder failure, took car to chevy after brakes got super hard to push , luckily no accident , felt like no brakes, at the point of failure, brake light, abs light, check engine light all went on ,at some point abs and brake light went off but check engine light…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11634550

“I was driving on the freeway about 65 mph on Saturday June 18. In a sudden instant, there was a message on my dash "brake module failure" and "speed limited to 62 mph". Also warning message that "forward collision warning was off" , etc. The ABS light, the "check…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11470210

“The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the brake pedal seized while depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and "Brake System Failure" and another unknown message were displayed. The contact coasted to the…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11537998

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Forward collision avoidance and ADAS unintended activation

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

5 NHTSA complaints · 2022-08 → 2026-04

“The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the Forward Collision Avoidance system activated and abruptly applied the brakes, dramatically reducing the speed of the vehicle. Later, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with the Adaptive…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11594439

“We were traveling approximately 30 mph approaching an intersection of a 5 lane road. A vehicle in front t of us had pulled into the turn lane. As we approached the vehicle that was already completely in the other lane, our car suddenly braked to a complete stop even though my…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11477888

“Lane departure assist, adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking, adaptive high beam, forward collision warning system became unresponsive while driving on highway during trip. Had to take vehicle into GM dealership for ADAS camera replacement”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11730078

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Windshield wiper intermittent failure during rain

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2025-03 → 2024-09

“Yesterday marked the 2nd time that the front windshield wipers on my 2021 Chevy Suburban (58k miles) randomly stopped working while driving down the highway in a rainstorm. They would not come out of the resting position regardless on what setting they were put to on the wheel…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11616767

“For the past 2 years my windshield wipers will fail randomly while using them during a rain storm. I will have to pull over and completely turn the vehicle off turn back on and they may start working again or restart a couple more times. I’ve taken it to the dealership twice…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11651671

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear differential and axle noise or lockup

POWER TRAIN

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-03 → 2026-07

“On our 2021 gasoline suburgan, the rear wheels locked up at free-way speeds, which nearly caused a possibly fatal accident. The lock released but it appears the strain caused rear differential gear teeth to break and the rear differential now needs to be replaced for the vehicle…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750547

“Rear Axle is grinding. Took vehicle into dealer and it is the well documented rear axle issue but this vehicle is not included in a recall. The differential fluid was replaced and figure 8s were done but there is still grinding. The rear axle also drags at times when in auto…”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11722922

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 3 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (per Oil Life System)

Every 7,500 mi

Change oil when the Oil Life System reaches 0% or every 12 months — whichever comes first. dexos1-approved synthetic oil required on all gas engines since 2011.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate tires every 7,500 miles. Silverado 4x4 and Tahoe owners benefit from earlier rotations to even out drivetrain wear.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake at each tire rotation. Equinox and Malibu front pads typically last 40,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 45,000 mi

GM specifies brake fluid replacement based on contamination testing. Test every 30,000 miles; replace if moisture content exceeds 3% or fluid appears dark.

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 22,500 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 22,500 miles. Silverado and Tahoe owners in dusty climates should replace earlier.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

4 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2021 Chevrolet Suburban reflects Chevrolet's published service intervals and the Oil Life System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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